Not My Idea of Gourmet | Oracle Gourmet Burger Establishment
Not My Idea of Gourmet…
Situated on Leeds’ booming waterfront, Oracle identifies itself as a gourmet burger establishment. Without yet glancing at the extensive menu, I run through the doors; busting after a few too many Friday night gin and tonics; and push through the staff and head for the toilets. At first glance they seem stylish and clever, but once inside the cubicle itself, I was shocked to discover that it resembled a foul aeroplane-like lavatory. Now, if you believe what they say about restaurants toilets reflecting the cleanliness of their kitchen, I’d be concerned.
Despite a poor first impression, I was pleased to see that my friendly waiter accidentally charged me for Lemonade and presented me with another gin and tonic. With drink prices reaching up to £350 for a bottle of Krug Grand Cuvee NV (in a burger joint!!!), I was more than happy with my drink upgrade.
Settling for the ultimate burger, The Oracle Works (£7) comprised of bacon, Monterey Jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, gherkin (a must!), cucumber, mayo, special Oracle relish and topped off with onion rings. Other gourmet burger options included the Italian burger (£6.45), which deliciously boasted basil pesto and sun blushed tomatos. The Thai burger (£6.45) also sounded tempting with coriander yoghurt, chilli; and lemongrass and coconut sauce.
Whilst the contents of my Oracle burger was piled high and held together by a giant wooden toothpick, I feel this was done more for shock value rather than practicality. The burger buns were tiny; the meat patty was well-seasoned but rather small; the salad fillings were exploding all over my plate, and my face and hands were a mess. Hardly gourmet…
To offer an even further discredit, I was appalled that after paying £7 for an okay burger, I was expected to pay £1.95 for ordinary fries without even a sprinkle of gourmet about them!
Irregardless of the food, the layout of Oracle is quite impressive, although I feel it is more suited to a bar/nightclub concept rather than an eatery. The view of the waterfront is quite nice, but I feel that is it is hardly worthy of the Oracle’s pompous prices and less than satisfying allegedly gourmet dishes.
Oracle
3 Brewery Place
Leeds
LS10 1NE
0113 246 9912
Review by Jacklyn Swiecicki
I live just up the bank from the Oracle, and the smells that permeate from the kitchen are always delicious, but every time we have attempted to go in we have been confronted with snotty staff and a pretentious atmosphere, the decor inside does not appear to be at all comfortable so we have turned on our heals and walked out. I agree that it should just concentrate on being a bar and not try to be a restaurant.